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Trink Y, Urbach A, Dekel B, Hohenstein P, Goldberger J, Kalisky T. Characterization of Alternative Splicing in High-Risk Wilms' Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4520. [PMID: 38674106 PMCID: PMC11050615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The significant heterogeneity of Wilms' tumors between different patients is thought to arise from genetic and epigenetic distortions that occur during various stages of fetal kidney development in a way that is poorly understood. To address this, we characterized the heterogeneity of alternative mRNA splicing in Wilms' tumors using a publicly available RNAseq dataset of high-risk Wilms' tumors and normal kidney samples. Through Pareto task inference and cell deconvolution, we found that the tumors and normal kidney samples are organized according to progressive stages of kidney development within a triangle-shaped region in latent space, whose vertices, or "archetypes", resemble the cap mesenchyme, the nephrogenic stroma, and epithelial tubular structures of the fetal kidney. We identified a set of genes that are alternatively spliced between tumors located in different regions of latent space and found that many of these genes are associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and muscle development. Using motif enrichment analysis, we identified putative splicing regulators, some of which are associated with kidney development. Our findings provide new insights into the etiology of Wilms' tumors and suggest that specific splicing mechanisms in early stages of development may contribute to tumor development in different patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Trink
- Faculty of Engineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (Y.T.); (J.G.)
| | - Achia Urbach
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Benjamin Dekel
- Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute and Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jacob Goldberger
- Faculty of Engineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (Y.T.); (J.G.)
| | - Tomer Kalisky
- Faculty of Engineering and Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (Y.T.); (J.G.)
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2
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Torban E, Goodyer P. Wilms' tumor gene 1: lessons from the interface between kidney development and cancer. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F3-F19. [PMID: 37916284 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00248.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1990, mutations of the Wilms' tumor-1 gene (WT1), encoding a transcription factor in the embryonic kidney, were found in 10-15% of Wilms' tumors; germline WT1 mutations were associated with hereditary syndromes involving glomerular and reproductive tract dysplasia. For more than three decades, these discoveries prompted investigators to explore the embryonic role of WT1 and the mechanisms by which loss of WT1 leads to malignant transformation. Here, we discuss how alternative splicing of WT1 generates isoforms that act in a context-specific manner to activate or repress target gene transcription. WT1 also regulates posttranscriptional regulation, alters the epigenetic landscape, and activates miRNA expression. WT1 functions at multiple stages of kidney development, including the transition from resting stem cells to committed nephron progenitor, which it primes to respond to WNT9b signals from the ureteric bud. WT1 then drives nephrogenesis by activating WNT4 expression and directing the development of glomerular podocytes. We review the WT1 mutations that account for Denys-Drash syndrome, Frasier syndrome, and WAGR syndrome. Although the WT1 story began with Wilms' tumors, an understanding of the pathways that link aberrant kidney development to malignant transformation still has some important gaps. Loss of WT1 in nephrogenic rests may leave these premalignant clones with inadequate DNA repair enzymes and may disturb the epigenetic landscape. Yet none of these observations provide a complete picture of Wilms' tumor pathogenesis. It appears that the WT1 odyssey is unfinished and still holds a great deal of untilled ground to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Goodyer
- Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Dickinson K, Hammond L, Akpa M, Chu LL, Lalonde CT, Goumba A, Goodyer P. WT1 regulates expression of DNA repair gene Neil3 during nephrogenesis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F245-F255. [PMID: 36546838 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00207.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian nephrons arise from a population of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) expressing the master transcription factor Wilms tumor-1 (WT1), which is crucial for NPC proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In humans, biallelic loss of WT1 precludes nephrogenesis and leads to the formation of Wilms tumor precursor lesions. We hypothesize that WT1 normally primes the NPC for nephrogenesis by inducing expression of NPC-specific DNA repair genes that protect the genome. We analyzed transcript levels for a panel of DNA repair genes in embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5) versus adult mouse kidneys and noted seven genes that were increased >20-fold. We then isolated Cited1+ NPCs from E17.5 kidneys and found that only one gene, nei-like DNA glycosylase 3 (Neil3), was enriched. RNAscope in situ hybridization of E17.5 mouse kidneys showed increased Neil3 expression in the nephrogenic zone versus mature nephron structures. To determine whether Neil3 expression is WT1 dependent, we knocked down Wt1 in Cited1+ NPCs (60% knockdown efficiency) and noted a 58% reduction in Neil3 transcript levels. We showed that WT1 interacts with the Neil3 promoter and that activity of a Neil3 promoter-reporter vector was increased twofold in WT1+ versus WT1- cells. We propose that Neil3 is a WT1-dependent DNA repair gene expressed at high levels in Cited1+ NPCs, where it repairs mutational injury to the genome during nephrogenesis. NEIL3 is likely just one of many such lineage-specific repair mechanisms that respond to genomic injury during kidney development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We studied the molecular events leading to Wilms tumors as a model for the repair of genomic injury. Specifically, we showed that WT1 activates DNA repair gene Neil3 in nephron progenitor cells. However, our observations offer a much broader principle, demonstrating that the embryonic kidney invests in lineage-specific expression of DNA repair enzymes. Thus, it is conceivable that failure of these mechanisms could lead to a variety of "sporadic" congenital renal malformations and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Dickinson
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leah Hammond
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Murielle Akpa
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lee Lee Chu
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caleb Tse Lalonde
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Goumba
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Goodyer
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Somatic, Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Nephrogenic Rests and Their Role in the Transformation to Wilms Tumors, a Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051363. [PMID: 36900155 PMCID: PMC10000075 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review somatic genetic changes in nephrogenic rests (NR), which are considered to be precursor lesions of Wilms tumors (WT). METHODS This systematic review is written according to the PRISMA statement. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles in the English language studying somatic genetic changes in NR between 1990 and 2022. RESULTS Twenty-three studies were included in this review, describing 221 NR of which 119 were pairs of NR and WT. Single gene studies showed mutations in WT1 and WTX, but not CTNNB1 to occur in both NR and WT. Studies investigating chromosomal changes showed loss of heterozygosity of 11p13 and 11p15 to occur in both NR and WT, but loss of 7p and 16q occurred in WT only. Methylome-based studies found differential methylation patterns between NR, WT, and normal kidney (NK). CONCLUSIONS Over a 30-year time frame, few studies have addressed genetic changes in NR, likely hampered by technical and practical limitations. A limited number of genes and chromosomal regions have been implicated in the early pathogenesis of WT, exemplified by their occurrence in NR, including WT1, WTX, and genes located at 11p15. Further studies of NR and corresponding WT are urgently needed.
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a class of endogenous small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, through both translational repression and mRNA destabilization. They are key regulators of kidney morphogenesis, modulating diverse biological processes in different renal cell lineages. Dysregulation of miRNA expression disrupts early kidney development and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of developmental kidney diseases. In this Review, we summarize current knowledge of miRNA biogenesis and function and discuss in detail the role of miRNAs in kidney morphogenesis and developmental kidney diseases, including congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and Wilms tumor. We conclude by discussing the utility of miRNAs as potentially novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Malta Cerqueira
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maliha Tayeb
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline Ho
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Legge D, Li L, Moriarty W, Lee D, Szemes M, Zahed A, Panousopoulos L, Chung WY, Aghabi Y, Barratt J, Williams R, Pritchard‐Jones K, Malik KT, Oltean S, Brown KW. The epithelial splicing regulator ESRP2 is epigenetically repressed by DNA hypermethylation in Wilms tumour and acts as a tumour suppressor. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:630-647. [PMID: 34520622 PMCID: PMC8807366 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumour (WT), an embryonal kidney cancer, has been extensively characterised for genetic and epigenetic alterations, but a proportion of WTs still lack identifiable abnormalities. To uncover DNA methylation changes critical for WT pathogenesis, we compared the epigenome of foetal kidney with two WT cell lines, filtering our results to remove common cancer-associated epigenetic changes and to enrich for genes involved in early kidney development. This identified four hypermethylated genes, of which ESRP2 (epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2) was the most promising for further study. ESRP2 was commonly repressed by DNA methylation in WT, and this occurred early in WT development (in nephrogenic rests). ESRP2 expression was reactivated by DNA methyltransferase inhibition in WT cell lines. When ESRP2 was overexpressed in WT cell lines, it inhibited cellular proliferation in vitro, and in vivo it suppressed tumour growth of orthotopic xenografts in nude mice. RNA-seq of the ESRP2-expressing WT cell lines identified several novel splicing targets. We propose a model in which epigenetic inactivation of ESRP2 disrupts the mesenchymal to epithelial transition in early kidney development to generate WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Legge
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Ling Li
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical SciencesUniversity of Exeter Medical SchoolUK
| | - Whei Moriarty
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - David Lee
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Marianna Szemes
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Asef Zahed
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | | | - Wan Yun Chung
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Yara Aghabi
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Jasmin Barratt
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Richard Williams
- Cancer SectionUCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | | | - Karim T.A. Malik
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical SciencesUniversity of Exeter Medical SchoolUK
| | - Keith W. Brown
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of BristolUK
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Hyder Z, Fairclough A, Groom M, Getty J, Alexander E, van Veen EM, Makin G, Sethuraman C, Tang V, Evans DG, Maher ER, Woodward ER. Constitutional de novo deletion CNV encompassing REST predisposes to diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (HPLN). J Med Genet 2020; 58:581-585. [PMID: 32917767 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephroblastomatosis is a recognised precursor for the development of Wilms tumour (WT), the most common childhood renal tumour. While the majority of WT is sporadic in origin, germline intragenic mutations of predisposition genes such as WT1, REST and TRIM28 have been described in apparently isolated (non-familial) WT.Despite constitutional CNVs being a well-studied cause of developmental disorders, their role in cancer predisposition is less well defined, so that the interpretation of cancer risks associated with specific CNVs can be complex. OBJECTIVE To highlight the role of a constitutional deletion CNV (delCNV) encompassing the REST tumour suppressor gene in diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (HPLN). METHODS/RESULTS Array comparative genomic hybridisation in an infant presenting with apparently sporadic diffuse HPLN revealed a de novo germline CNV, arr[GRCh37] 4q12(57,385,330-57,947,405)x1. The REST tumour suppressor gene is located at GRCh37 chr4:57,774,042-57,802,010. CONCLUSION This delCNV encompassing REST is associated with nephroblastomatosis. Deletion studies should be included in the molecular work-up of inherited predisposition to WT/nephroblastomatosis. Detection of delCNVs involving known cancer predisposition genes can yield insights into the relationship between underlying genomic architecture and associated tumour risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerin Hyder
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Adele Fairclough
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK.,NW Genomic Laboratory Hub, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Mike Groom
- NW Genomic Laboratory Hub, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joan Getty
- NW Genomic Laboratory Hub, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elizabeth Alexander
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Elke M van Veen
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Guy Makin
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Chitra Sethuraman
- Department of Paediatric Histopathology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Vivian Tang
- Department of Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Eamonn R Maher
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Emma R Woodward
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
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Kuure S, Sariola H. Mouse Models of Congenital Kidney Anomalies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1236:109-136. [PMID: 32304071 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-2389-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are common birth defects, which cause the majority of chronic kidney diseases in children. CAKUT covers a wide range of malformations that derive from deficiencies in embryonic kidney and lower urinary tract development, including renal aplasia, hypodysplasia, hypoplasia, ectopia, and different forms of ureter abnormalities. The majority of the genetic causes of CAKUT remain unknown. Research on mutant mice has identified multiple genes that critically regulate renal differentiation. The data generated from this research have served as an excellent resource to identify the genetic bases of human kidney defects and have led to significantly improved diagnostics. Furthermore, genetic data from human CAKUT studies have also revealed novel genes regulating kidney differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kuure
- GM-Unit, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Hannu Sariola
- Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Paediatric Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Wilms tumour is the most common renal malignancy of childhood. The disease is curable in the majority of cases, albeit at considerable cost in terms of late treatment-related effects in some children. However, one in ten children with Wilms tumour will die of their disease despite modern treatment approaches. The genetic changes that underpin Wilms tumour have been defined by studies of familial cases and by unbiased DNA sequencing of tumour genomes. Together, these approaches have defined the landscape of cancer genes that are operative in Wilms tumour, many of which are intricately linked to the control of fetal nephrogenesis. Advances in our understanding of the germline and somatic genetic changes that underlie Wilms tumour may translate into better patient outcomes. Improvements in risk stratification have already been seen through the introduction of molecular biomarkers into clinical practice. A host of additional biomarkers are due to undergo clinical validation. Identifying actionable mutations has led to potential new targets, with some novel compounds undergoing testing in early phase trials. Avenues that warrant further exploration include targeting Wilms tumour cancer genes with a non-redundant role in nephrogenesis and targeting the fetal renal transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Dora Treger
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Tanzina Chowdhury
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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10
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Radojević-Škodrić S, Brašanac D, Đuričić SM, Glumac S, Lončar Z, Pavlović I, Todorović A, Nikolić G, Baralić I, Pejić S. Immunohistochemical analysis of cyclin A expression in Wilms tumor. PeerJ 2019; 6:e6212. [PMID: 30648000 PMCID: PMC6330955 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclin A overexpression is found in a variety of human tumors and correlates with unfavorable outcome. We analyzed immunohistochemical expression of cyclin A in Wilms tumor (WT) in relation to clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative chemotherapy (PrOpChTh), and overall survival (OS). Methods This retrospective study involved 43 patients who underwent nephrectomy from January 1996 to October 2010. Tumor stage and histological subtype were determined by revised Societé International d’Oncologie Pediatrique protocol, based on histological components/alterations caused by PrOpChTh, within the prognostic group of low, intermediate and high risk, and with criteria for anaplasia. The regressive/necrotic changes in total tumor mass of primary tumor and the proportion of epithelial, blastemal, and stromal components in the remaining viable tumor tissue were also determined. Cyclin A expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal rabbit, antihuman antibody (H-432). Results Cyclin A overexpression was found in 34.3% of WTs, with higher frequency in tumors with epithelial (31.3%) and blastemal (37.1%) components than those with stromal component (17.7%). Regarding histological type, cyclin A overexpression was found most often in focal anaplasia (100%), stromal (60%), and diffuse anaplastic (66.7) WTs. The overexpression was also more frequent in stages 3 and 4 (77.8% and 66.7%, respectively) compared to tumors in stages 1 and 2 (13.3% and 12.5%, respectively; p = 0.004) in all components, as well as in blastemal component in stages 3 and 4 (77.8% and 66.7%, respectively) vs. stages 1 and 2 (13.3% and 25%, respectively, p = 0.009). Cyclin A overexpression in all components was 66.7% in WTs with metastasis and 31.3% in WTs without metastasis (p = 0.265, Fisher test). Log-rank testing revealed differences of OS regarding stage (p = 0.000), prognostic groups (p = 0.001), and cyclin A expression in blastemal component (p = 0.025). After univariate analysis, tumor stage (p = 0.001), prognostic group (p = 0.004), and cyclin A expression in blastemal component (p = 0.042) were significant prognostic factors for OS; however, after multivariate analysis, none of these factors were confirmed as independent predictors of survival. Discussion This study showed that cyclin A overexpression might be associated with the development and progression of WT with anaplasia. Also, cyclin A overexpression was more often observed in advanced stages (3 and 4) of WT, in the group of high-risk WTs, and in focal and diffuse anaplasia WTs. There was no relation of cyclin A overexpression and metastatic ability of WT. Although this study has not confirmed the prognostic value of cyclin A overexpression, its association with unfavorable prognosis should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitrije Brašanac
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slaviša M Đuričić
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Čupić", Belgrade, Serbia.,School of Medicine, Banjaluka University, Banjaluka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sofija Glumac
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zlatibor Lončar
- Clinic for Emergency Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Pavlović
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Todorović
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Nikolić
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Innovation Center, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Baralić
- Zvezdara University Medical Center, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Pejić
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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11
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Charlton J, Irtan S, Bergeron C, Pritchard-Jones K. Bilateral Wilms tumour: a review of clinical and molecular features. Expert Rev Mol Med 2017; 19:e8. [PMID: 28716159 PMCID: PMC5687181 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2017.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Wilms tumour (WT) is the most common paediatric kidney cancer and affects approximately one in 10 000 children. The tumour is associated with undifferentiated embryonic lesions called nephrogenic rests (NRs) or, when diffuse, nephroblastomatosis. WT or NRs can occur in both kidneys, termed bilateral disease, found in only 5-8% of cases. Management of bilateral WT presents a major clinical challenge in terms of maximising survival, preserving renal function and understanding underlying genetic risk. In this review, we compile clinical data from 545 published cases of bilateral WT and discuss recent progress in understanding the molecular basis of bilateral WT and its associated precursor NRs in the context of the latest radiological, surgical and epidemiological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sabine Irtan
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Paediatric Surgery Department, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Bergeron
- Centre Léon Bérard, Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrie, Lyon, France
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12
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Brok J, Treger TD, Gooskens SL, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Pritchard-Jones K. Biology and treatment of renal tumours in childhood. Eur J Cancer 2016; 68:179-195. [PMID: 27969569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, almost 1000 children are diagnosed with a malignant renal tumour each year. The vast majority of cases are nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumour (WT). Most children are treated according to Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP-RTSG) protocols with pre-operative chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative treatment dependent on stage and histology. Overall survival approaches 90%, but a subgroup of WT, with high-risk histology and/or relapsed disease, still have a much poorer prognosis. Outcome is similarly poor for the rare non-WT, particularly for malignant rhabdoid tumour of the kidney, metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Improving outcome and long-term quality of life requires more accurate risk stratification through biological insights. Biomarkers are also needed to signpost potential targeted therapies for high-risk subgroups. Our understanding of Wilms' tumourigenesis is evolving and several signalling pathways, microRNA processing and epigenetics are now known to play pivotal roles. Most rhabdoid tumours display somatic and/or germline mutations in the SMARCB1 gene, whereas CCSK and paediatric RCC reveal a more varied genetic basis, including characteristic translocations. Conducting early-phase trials of targeted therapies is challenging due to the scarcity of patients with refractory or relapsed disease, the rapid progression of relapse and the genetic heterogeneity of the tumours with a low prevalence of individual somatic mutations. A further consideration in improving population survival rates is the geographical variation in outcomes across Europe. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current biological knowledge of childhood renal tumours alongside the progress achieved through international collaboration. Ongoing collaboration is needed to ensure consistency of outcomes through standardised diagnostics and treatment and incorporation of biomarker research. Together, these objectives constitute the rationale for the forthcoming SIOP-RTSG 'UMBRELLA' study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Brok
- Cancer Section, University College London, Institute of Child Health, UK; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Taryn D Treger
- Cancer Section, University College London, Institute of Child Health, UK
| | - Saskia L Gooskens
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology and University of Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology and University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Wilms' tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common pediatric renal cancer. The tumors morphologically resemble embryonic kidneys with a disrupted architecture and are associated with undifferentiated metanephric precursors. Here, we discuss genetic and epigenetic findings in Wilms' tumor in the context of renal development. Many of the genes implicated in Wilms' tumorigenesis are involved in the control of nephron progenitors or the microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Whereas the first group of genes has been extensively studied in normal development, the second finding suggests important roles for miRNAs in general-and specific miRNAs in particular-in normal kidney development that still await further analysis. The recent identification of Wilms' tumor cancer stem cells could provide a framework to integrate these pathways and translate them into new or improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hohenstein
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom;
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Charlton
- UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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14
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Charlton J, Williams RD, Sebire NJ, Popov S, Vujanic G, Chagtai T, Alcaide-German M, Morris T, Butcher LM, Guilhamon P, Beck S, Pritchard-Jones K. Comparative methylome analysis identifies new tumour subtypes and biomarkers for transformation of nephrogenic rests into Wilms tumour. Genome Med 2015; 7:11. [PMID: 25763109 PMCID: PMC4354990 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-015-0136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumours (WTs) are characterised by several hallmarks that suggest epimutations such as aberrant DNA methylation are involved in tumour progression: loss of imprinting at 11p15, lack of recurrent mutations and formation of nephrogenic rests (NRs), which are lesions of retained undifferentiated embryonic tissue that can give rise to WTs. METHODS To identify such epimutations, we performed a comprehensive methylome analysis on 20 matched trios of micro-dissected WTs, NRs and surrounding normal kidneys (NKs) using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chips and functionally validated findings using RNA sequencing. RESULTS Comparison of NRs with NK revealed prominent tissue biomarkers: 629 differentially methylated regions, of which 55% were hypermethylated and enriched for domains that are bivalent in embryonic stem cells and for genes expressed during development (P = 2.49 × 10(-5)). Comparison of WTs with NRs revealed two WT subgroups; group-2 WTs and NRs were epigenetically indistinguishable whereas group-1 WTs showed an increase in methylation variability, hypomethylation of renal development genes, hypermethylation and relative loss of expression of cell adhesion genes and known and potential new WT tumour suppressor genes (CASP8, H19, MIR195, RB1 and TSPAN32) and was strongly associated with bilateral disease (P = 0.032). Comparison of WTs and NRs to embryonic kidney highlighted the significance of polycomb target methylation in Wilms tumourigenesis. CONCLUSIONS Methylation levels vary during cancer evolution. We have described biomarkers related to WT evolution from its precursor NRs which may be useful to differentiate between these tissues for patients with bilateral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Charlton
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Richard D Williams
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- />The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG UK
| | - Gordan Vujanic
- />Department of Pathology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN UK
| | - Tasnim Chagtai
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Marisa Alcaide-German
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Tiffany Morris
- />UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Lee M Butcher
- />UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Paul Guilhamon
- />UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Stephan Beck
- />UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- />UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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15
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Glypican 3 overexpression in primary and metastatic Wilms tumors. Virchows Arch 2014; 466:67-76. [PMID: 25366870 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Glypican 3 (GPC3), a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, plays a role in cell growth and differentiation. Mutations of the GPC3 gene are responsible for Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, which is characterized by anomalies of postnatal overgrowth and an increased risk of developing pediatric malignancies, mostly Wilms tumor and liver cancer. In order to understand the possible role of GPC3 in renal development and Wilms tumor formation, we analyzed messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of GPC3 in sporadic Wilms tumors and compared it to normal kidneys and other common renal epithelial tumors. By using Affymetrix HGU133 oligonucleotide gene expression microarray data from 191 renal tumors and 12 normal kidneys, we found significant overexpression of GPC3 in Wilms tumors (p < 0.01), with 3.5-fold higher expression in comparison to normal kidneys and 6.5-fold higher than any type of renal tumors. The GPC3 gene product in Wilms tumor was further evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantified by an automated image analysis. Cytoplasmic and membranous GPC3 immunoreactivity was present in 77 % of primary Wilms tumors (23/30), 93 % of metastatic Wilms tumors (13/14), 50 % of metanephric adenomas (4/8), 33 % of congenital mesoblastic nephromas (2/6), 100 % of nephrogenic rests (11/11), and 100 % of fetal kidneys (5/5). GPC3 staining was predominantly identified in blastemal and epithelial components of Wilms tumors, similar to that of fetal non-neoplastic kidney. All adult renal tumors (n = 60) and normal kidneys (n = 15) were GPC3 negative. These findings suggest the utility of GPC3 in differential diagnosis and follow-up of Wilms tumors. Our data also indicate that GPC3 is an oncofetal protein with a potential therapeutic value.
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Marshall GM, Carter DR, Cheung BB, Liu T, Mateos MK, Meyerowitz JG, Weiss WA. The prenatal origins of cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2014; 14:277-89. [PMID: 24599217 PMCID: PMC4041218 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The concept that some childhood malignancies arise from postnatally persistent embryonal cells has a long history. Recent research has strengthened the links between driver mutations and embryonal and early postnatal development. This evidence, coupled with much greater detail on the cell of origin and the initial steps in embryonal cancer initiation, has identified important therapeutic targets and provided renewed interest in strategies for the early detection and prevention of childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn M Marshall
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia; and the Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Daniel R Carter
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Belamy B Cheung
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Marion K Mateos
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 2031, New South Wales, Australia; and the Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Justin G Meyerowitz
- Department of Neurology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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Hu M, Fletcher J, McCahon E, Catchpoole D, Zhang GY, Wang YM, Algar EM, Alexander SI. Bilateral Wilms tumor and early presentation in pediatric patients is associated with the truncation of the Wilms tumor 1 protein. J Pediatr 2013; 163:224-9. [PMID: 23403252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.12.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the frequency of constitutional Wilms tumor 1 gene (WT1) abnormalities in children with bilateral Wilms tumor (WT) and the age of tumor onset in patients with a mutation. STUDY DESIGN Eight patients with bilateral WT were studied. High-resolution melting and direct sequencing were used to screen for the WT1 gene. Western blotting was performed to determine whether the identified mutations were associated with expressed truncated WT1 protein. RESULTS The median age of tumor onset in patients with a mutation in the WT1 was lower (10 months) than in those without a mutation (39 months). Three novel heterozygous nonsense mutations were identified in exon 8 in peripheral blood from 3 individuals, whereas all 3 tumor tissues lacked the wild-type allele. All mutations led to a premature stop codon with truncation of the WT1 protein. In 1 patient, a truncated form of WT1 protein was identified, suggesting that development of the WT may have resulted from expression of an abnormal protein. Four distinct silent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. All 3 patients with a pathogenic WT1 mutation had 2 synonymous SNPs, whereas only 1 of the remaining 5 patients had a single synonymous SNP (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Bilateral WT are associated with early presentation in pediatric patients and a high frequency of WT1 nonsense mutations in exon 8. Silent SNPs may also be involved in the development of WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Center for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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18
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Tokar EJ, Person RJ, Sun Y, Perantoni AO, Waalkes MP. Chronic exposure of renal stem cells to inorganic arsenic induces a cancer phenotype. Chem Res Toxicol 2013; 26:96-105. [PMID: 23137061 PMCID: PMC3921970 DOI: 10.1021/tx3004054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic in the drinking water is a multisite human carcinogen that potentially targets the kidney. Recent evidence also indicates that developmental arsenic exposure impacts renal carcinogenesis in humans and mice. Emerging theory indicates that cancer may be a disease of stem cells (SCs) and that there are abundant active SCs during early life. Therefore, we hypothesized that inorganic arsenic targets SCs, or partially differentiated progenitor cells (PCs), for oncogenic transformation. Thus, a rat kidney SC/PC cell line, RIMM-18, was chronically exposed to low-level arsenite (500 nM) for up to 28 weeks. Multiple markers of acquired cancer phenotype were assessed biweekly during arsenic exposure, including secreted matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, proliferation rate, colony formation in soft agar, and cellular invasiveness. Arsenic exposure by 10 weeks and after also induced marked and sustained increases in colony formation, indicative of the loss of contact inhibition, and increased invasiveness, both cancer cell characteristics. Compared to the passage-matched control, chronic arsenic exposure caused exposure-duration dependent increases in secreted MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, Cox-2 expression, and more rapid proliferation (all >2-fold), characteristics typical of cancer cells. Dysregulation of SC maintenance genes and signaling pathways are common during oncogenesis. During arsenite exposure, expression of several genes associated with normal kidney development and SC regulation and differentiation (i.e., Wt-1, Wnt-4, Bmp-7, etc.) were aberrantly altered. Arsenic-exposed renal SCs produced more nonadherent spheroid bodies that grew much more aggressively in Matrigel, typical of cancer SCs (CSCs). The transformed cells also showed gene overexpression typical of renal SCs/CSCs (CD24, Osr1, Ncam) and arsenic adaptation such as overexpression of Mt-1, Mt2, Sod-1, and Abcc2. These data suggest that inorganic arsenic induced an acquired cancer phenotype in vitro in these rat kidney SCs potentially forming CSCs and, consistent with data in vivo, indicate that these multipotent SCs may be targets of arsenic during renal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J. Tokar
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Rachel J. Person
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Alan O. Perantoni
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Michael P. Waalkes
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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19
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Haruta M, Arai Y, Watanabe N, Fujiwara Y, Honda S, Ohshima J, Kasai F, Nakadate H, Horie H, Okita H, Hata JI, Fukuzawa M, Kaneko Y. Different incidences of epigenetic but not genetic abnormalities between Wilms tumors in Japanese and Caucasian children. Cancer Sci 2012; 103:1129-35. [PMID: 22409817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02269.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of Wilms tumor (WT) in East-Asian children is half of that in Caucasian children. Abnormalities of WT1, CTNNB1, WTX, and IGF2 were reported to be involved in Wilms tumorigenesis in Caucasians, although none of the studies simultaneously evaluated the four genes. WTX forms the β-catenin degradation complex; however, the relationship between WTX abnormality and CTNNB1 mutation was uncertain in WTs. We examined abnormalities of the four genes in 114 Japanese with WTs to clarify the relationship between genetic and epigenetic factors and the incidence of WTs. We found that abnormalities of WTX and CTNNB1 were mutually exclusive, and that although CTNNB1 mutation was frequent in WTs with WT1 abnormality, but rare in WTs without, the incidences of WTX abnormality were similar between WTs with or without WT1 abnormality. These findings were consistent with those reported in Caucasian populations, and indicate multiple roles of WTX abnormality. Abnormalities of WT1, WTX and CTNNB1, and loss of IGF2 imprinting (LOI) were detected in 31.6%, 22.8%, 26.3%, and 21.1% of the 114 WTs, respectively. When we selected 101 sporadic WTs, the incidences of WT1, CTNNB1, or WTX abnormality were generally comparable between the two populations, whereas the incidence of IGF2 LOI was lower in Japanese than that of IGF2 LOI reported in Caucasians (P = 0.04). This is the first comprehensive study of the four genes, and the results supported the hypothesis that the lower incidence of IGF2 LOI contributes to the lower incidence of WTs in Japanese children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Haruta
- Department of Cancer Diagnosis, Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan
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20
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Depping R, Schindler SG, Jacobi C, Kirschner KM, Scholz H. Nuclear transport of Wilms' tumour protein Wt1 involves importins α and β. Cell Physiol Biochem 2012; 29:223-32. [PMID: 22415091 DOI: 10.1159/000337603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Wilms' tumour protein, Wt1, is a zinc finger molecule, which is required for normal embryonic development. Mutations of the WT1 gene can give rise to childhood cancer of the kidneys. Different Wt1 isoforms exist, which function either as transcription factors or have a presumed role in mRNA processing. Previous studies suggested that Wt1 undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, and cytoplasmic Wt1 was higher in malignant than in normal cells. The aim of this study was to analyse the molecular pathways along which Wt1 shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus. METHODS Interaction of Wt1 protein with various importin α subtypes and importin β was assessed in pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Nuclear localisation signals (NLS) were identified by combining site-directed mutagenesis with subcellular immunodetection of the transfected Wt1 variants. RESULTS Wt1(+/-KTS) proteins were found to interact with importin α1 and importin β in vitro and in living cells in vivo. A NLS that was necessary and sufficient for nuclear import could be mapped to the third Wt1 zinc finger. Mutation of this NLS strongly weakened binding of Wt1 to importins. CONCLUSION Nuclear translocation of Wilms' tumour protein involves importins α and β, and a NLS in the third zinc finger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Depping
- Institut für Physiologie, Zentrum für Medizinische Struktur- und Zellbiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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21
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Mdzin R, Phillips M, Edwards C, Murch A, Charles A. Perilobar nephrogenic rests and chromosome 22. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2011; 14:485-92. [PMID: 21864120 DOI: 10.2350/10-01-0781-cr.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Perilobar nephrogenic rests (NR) are precursor lesions that may display genetic changes similar to their associated Wilms tumor (WT). Two patients presented with WT, both with perilobar NR and 1 with bilateral, multifocal metachronous WT. Both patients' WT displayed monosomy 22 as the predominant cytogenetic change, and the constitutional cytogenetic analysis was normal. The purpose of our study was to identify at what stage in the morphologic progression from NR to WT the monosomy 22 occurred by using a fluorescent in situ hybridization probe for chromosome 22 in the subtypes of perilobar NR and WT present in both cases. Section and core fluorescent in situ hybridization with a chromosome 22 probe was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues containing WT and perilobar NR. We also performed fluorescent-based microsatellite analysis on some of the WT in the bilateral case to determine whether there was a preferential loss of the same allele of chromosome 22. Sclerotic and dormant perilobar NR showed a rate of monosomy 22 of only approximately 30%, but this increased to approximately 50% in hyperplastic and adenomatous NR. Monosomy 22 was present in 60%-80% of nuclei in WT. Microsatellite analysis showed loss of homozygosity, with preferential loss of the same allele of chromosome 22 in the tumors examined. There are differences in the rate of detection of monosomy 22 in perilobar NR and WT, suggesting loss of chromosome 22 in the progression of perilobar NR to WT in a subset of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Mdzin
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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22
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Miller-Hodges E, Hohenstein P. WT1 in disease: shifting the epithelial-mesenchymal balance. J Pathol 2011; 226:229-40. [PMID: 21959952 DOI: 10.1002/path.2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
WT1 is a versatile gene that controls transitions between the mesenchymal and epithelial state of cells in a tissue-context dependent manner. As such, WT1 is indispensable for normal development of many organs and tissues. Uncontrolled epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of a diverse array of pathologies and disturbance of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) has been associated with a number of developmental abnormalities. It is therefore not surprising that WT1 has been linked to many of these. Here we review the role of WT1 in proper control of the mesenchymal-epithelial balance of cells and discuss how far these roles can explain the role of WT1 in a variety of disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Miller-Hodges
- MRC Human Genetics Unit and Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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23
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Abstract
Wilms' tumour (WT) is an embryonal cancer of childhood and is thought to be derived from embryonic kidney precursor cells. The Knudson two hit model was initially thought to occur in WT, but findings emerging from genetic and cytogenetic studies in the past two decades have implicated several genetic events. Recent techniques in genetic analysis have improved our ability to characterise changes in genes involved in WT which include WT1, CTNNB1, IGF2 and WTX. These genetic events have not only provided insight into the pathobiology of this malignancy, but the recognition of these candidate genes may offer potential targets for novel therapies. In this review, we will provide an overview of the pathological, genetic and cytogenetic characteristics of WT.
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Krishnadas DK, Stamer MM, Dunham K, Bao L, Lucas KG. Wilms' tumor 1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be expanded from adult donors and cord blood. Leuk Res 2011; 35:1520-6. [PMID: 21774984 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2011.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of WT1-specific CTL is one potential strategy to treat leukemic relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT). Previous studies have largely focused on generating WT1-CTL from adult donors by cloning. We demonstrate that WT1-CTL can be generated from healthy adult donors and from cord blood by stimulating with an overlapping pool of peptides derived from full length WT1 and selecting antigen-specific cells based on the expression of CD137. The rapid expansion with anti-CD3 and IL-2 resulted in a 100-200-fold expansion. These CTL lysed WT1 expressing targets, including leukemia lines, in a HLA restricted manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa K Krishnadas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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25
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Abstract
AIMS Cytogenetic abnormalities of Wilms' tumour (WT) treated in a single institution in Western Australia were reviewed. Correlation with histologic subtypes, stage, presence of nephrogenic rests and age of the patient at diagnosis were also evaluated. METHODS 53 WT specimens were encountered between 1995 and 2009. Tissue culture was obtained in 49 (92%) specimens. Reports documenting histopathological features of the tumour, stage and outcome were also retrieved. RESULTS A total of 53 tumour specimens from 42 patients/cases were examined and staged in accordance with the National Wilms' Tumor Study (NWTS). Thirty-eight cases were unilateral (34 unifocal, 4 multifocal) and four were bilateral (2 multifocal). Fifty tumours showed favourable histology WT. One tumour was a cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN). Two tumours showed diffuse anaplasia. Eighteen specimens had nephrogenic rests, seven with perilobar rests, 10 with intralobar rests and one with both types of nephrogenic rests. Twelve WTs were assigned as stage 1, 22 as stage 2, 16 as stage 3, and two each for stages 4 and 5. For chromosomal analysis, 92% of the specimens yielded results, of which 70% showed abnormal karyotype and 22% displayed normal karyotypic findings. Hyperdiploidy was more common than hypodiploidy. The most common chromosomal gain involved chromosome 12. Low stage tumours tended to have abnormal karyotypes with hyperdiploidy and hypodiploidy being more common. There was no statistical correlation between abnormal karyotype and stage or abnormal karyotype and age group or abnormal karyotype and non-blastemal WT. Eleven (58%) tumours harbouring nephrogenic rests displayed an abnormal karyotype. 16q loss or der(16)t(1;16) were more common in younger patients but no association was made between this chromosomal abnormality and stage. Monosomy 22 and gain of 1q were more common in older patients. Furthermore, monosomy 22 tended to occur in tumours of earlier stage. No correlation between 11p deletions and age or stage was seen. CONCLUSIONS WTs are karyotypically heterogeneous tumours. Conventional cytogenetic analysis of WTs still remains a useful technique to assist in the understanding of these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena MdZin
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Australia
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26
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Scholz H, Kirschner KM. Oxygen-Dependent Gene Expression in Development and Cancer: Lessons Learned from the Wilms' Tumor Gene, WT1. Front Mol Neurosci 2011; 4:4. [PMID: 21430823 PMCID: PMC3047294 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2011.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate tissue oxygenation is a prerequisite for normal development of the embryo. Most fetal organs are exquisitely susceptible to hypoxia which occurs when the delivery of oxygen is exceeded by the actual demand. Developmental abnormalities due to insufficient supply with oxygen can result from the impaired expression of genes with essential functions during embryogenesis. As such, the Wilms' tumor gene, WT1, is among the fetal genes that are regulated by the local oxygen tension. WT1 was originally discovered as a tumor suppressor gene owing to loss-of-function mutations in a subset of pediatric renal neoplasias, known as nephroblastomas or Wilms' tumors. Wilms' tumors can arise when pluripotent progenitor cells in the embryonic kidney continue to proliferate rather than differentiating to glomeruli and tubules. WT1 encodes a zinc finger protein, of which multiple isoforms exist due to alternative mRNA splicing in addition to translational and post-translational modifications. While some WT1 isoforms function as transcription factors, other WT1 proteins are presumably involved in post-transcriptional mRNA processing. However, the role of WT1 reaches far beyond that of a tumor suppressor as homozygous disruption of Wt1 in mice caused embryonic lethality with a failure of normal development of the kidneys, gonads, heart, and other tissues. WT1 mutations in humans are associated with malformation of the genitourinary system. A common paradigm of WT1 expressing cells is their capacity to switch between a mesenchymal and epithelial state. Thus, WT1 likely acts as a master switch that enables cells to undergo reciprocal epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Impairment of renal precursor cells to differentiate along the epithelial lineage due to WT1 mutations may favor malignant tumor growth. This article shall provide a concise review of the function of WT1 in development and disease with special consideration of its regulation by molecular oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Scholz
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany
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27
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Abstract
Genes identified as being mutated in Wilms' tumour include TP53, a classic tumour suppressor gene (TSG); CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin), a classic oncogene; WTX, which accumulating data indicate is a TSG; and WT1, which is inactivated in some Wilms' tumours, similar to a TSG. However, WT1 does not always conform to the TSG label, and some data indicate that WT1 enhances cell survival and proliferation, like an oncogene. Is WT1 a chameleon, functioning as either a TSG or an oncogene, depending on cellular context? Are these labels even appropriate for describing and understanding the function of WT1?
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Huff
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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28
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Hu Q, Gao F, Tian W, Ruteshouser EC, Wang Y, Lazar A, Stewart J, Strong LC, Behringer RR, Huff V. Wt1 ablation and Igf2 upregulation in mice result in Wilms tumors with elevated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:174-83. [PMID: 21123950 PMCID: PMC3007149 DOI: 10.1172/jci43772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor (WT) is a genetically heterogeneous childhood kidney tumor. Several genetic alterations have been identified in WT patients, including inactivating mutations in WT1 and loss of heterozygosity or loss of imprinting at 11p15, which results in biallelic expression of IGF2. However, the mechanisms by which one or a combination of genetic alterations results in tumorigenesis has remained challenging to determine, given the lack of a mouse model of WT. Here, we engineered mice to sustain mosaic, somatic ablation of Wt1 and constitutional Igf2 upregulation, mimicking a subset of human tumors. Mice with this combination of genetic alterations developed tumors at an early age. Mechanistically, Wt1 ablation blocked mesenchyme differentiation, and increased Igf2 expression upregulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Importantly, a subset of human tumors similarly displayed upregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which suggests ERK signaling might contribute to WT development. Thus, we have generated a biologically relevant mouse model of WT and defined one combination of driver alterations for WT. This mouse model will provide a powerful tool to study the biology of WT initiation and progression and to investigate therapeutic strategies for cancers with IGF pathway dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianghua Hu
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Weihua Tian
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - E. Cristy Ruteshouser
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander Lazar
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John Stewart
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Louise C. Strong
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard R. Behringer
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vicki Huff
- Department of Genetics,
Department of Experimental Therapeutics, and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Graduate Program in Genes and Development and
Graduate Program in Human Molecular Genetics, UT-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
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29
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Mengelbier LH, Karlsson J, Lindgren D, Øra I, Isaksson M, Frigyesi I, Frigyesi A, Bras J, Sandstedt B, Gisselsson D. Deletions of 16q in Wilms tumors localize to blastemal-anaplastic cells and are associated with reduced expression of the IRXB renal tubulogenesis gene cluster. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:2609-21. [PMID: 20847289 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal neoplasm, but few molecular prognostic markers have been identified for this tumor. Somatic deletion in the long arm of chromosome 16 (16q) is known to predict a less favorable outcome in Wilms tumor, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not known. We show that 16q deletions are typically confined to immature anaplastic-blastic tumor elements, while deletions are absent in maturing tumor components. The smallest region of deletion overlap mapped to a 1.8-Mb segment containing the IRXB gene cluster including IRX3, IRX5, and IRX6, of which IRX3 is a recently identified regulator of tubular maturation during nephrogenesis. Tumors with 16q deletion showed a lower overall mRNA expression of IRXB genes, and 16q-deleted tumor cells failed to express IRX3 while it was expressed in differentiating tubular tumor elements with intact 16q. Consistent with a role for IRX3 in tubular differentiation, gene sets linked to Notch signaling, Rho signaling, and ion channel activity were enriched in tumors with high IRX3 expression, while WTs with low expression were enriched for gene sets linked to cell cycle progression. Low mRNA levels of IRXB genes were associated with diffuse anaplasia, high-stage disease, and death. A disturbed balance between tubular differentiation and self-renewal of anaplastic-blastic elements may thus be one mechanism linking 16q deletion to adverse outcome in Wilms tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Holmquist Mengelbier
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, SE 221 85 Lund, Sweden
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30
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Kirschner KM, Sciesielski LK, Scholz H. Wilms' tumour protein Wt1 stimulates transcription of the gene encoding vascular endothelial cadherin. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:1051-61. [PMID: 20811903 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0873-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumour gene, Wt1, encodes a zinc finger protein, which is mutated in a subset of paediatric renal carcinomas known as Wilms' tumours (nephroblastomas). Recent findings indicate that Wt1, beside its role in genitourinary development, is also necessary for normal vascularisation of the embryonic heart, and may even be involved in tumour angiogenesis. The original purpose of this study was to decipher potential downstream signalling pathways of Wt1 for blood vessel formation. We found that the Wt1(-KTS) protein, which functions as a transcription factor, stimulated the expression of cadherin 5 (CDH5, vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin) and other vascular genes, i.e. those encoding vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2, and angiopoietin-2. Furthermore, an enhancer element was identified in the first intron of the CDH5 gene, which bound to the Wt1(-KTS) protein and was necessary for reporter gene activation by Wt1(-KTS) in transiently transfected cell lines. Wt1 and VE-cadherin proteins could be co-localised by double immunofluorescence staining in maturating glomeruli of embryonic murine kidneys. VE-cadherin transcripts were reduced in some but not all tissues of Wt1-deficient mouse embryos. These results indicate that Wt1 can stimulate vascular gene transcription. By demonstrating that Wt1(-KTS) protein trans-activates an enhancer element in the first intron we identified CDH5 as a novel target gene of Wt1. It is suggested that transcriptional activation of CDH5 by Wt1 fulfils regulatory functions during vascular development and kidney formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Kirschner
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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31
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WNT5A is regulated by PAX2 and may be involved in blastemal predominant Wilms tumorigenesis. Neoplasia 2009; 10:1470-80. [PMID: 19048125 DOI: 10.1593/neo.08442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The PAX2 gene encodes a transcription factor expressed during development. In humans, PAX2 mutations cause the renal-coloboma syndrome, whereas homozygous mutations are lethal, causing severe organ malformation, notably in the brain and kidney. Wilms tumor (WT) of the kidney results from a failure in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition, a crucial step partly controlled by PAX2. Downstream target genes regulated by PAX2 are still undefined. We therefore hypothesized that identification and characterization of the genes regulated by PAX2 may improve our understanding of developmentally related malignancies including WT. We used nickel agarose chromatin enrichment, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and the human embryonic kidney-derived cell line HEK293 to identify regulatory elements responding to PAX2. Among others, we identified WNT5A as a gene potentially regulated by PAX2. Here, we demonstrate that WNT5A is a direct target of PAX2 in HEK293 cells, using both transactivation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We were unable to find any WNT5A disease-associated mutations after screening a panel of 99 WT samples. However, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in human favorable-histology WT revealed that approximately 66% of the cases expressed significantly less WNT5A than human fetal kidney. Moreover, the WiT9 WT cell line revealed a weak expression of the WNT5A gene. A correlation of decreased WNT5A expression with predominant blastemal histology tumors suggests a possible inhibitory role in WT pathogenesis. This study underlines the importance of PAX2 in the regulation of WNT5A. Further in vivo study is necessary to determine whether the PAX2 and WNT5A are truly involved in WT pathogenesis.
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32
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Vuononvirta R, Sebire NJ, Dallosso AR, Reis-Filho JS, Williams RD, Mackay A, Fenwick K, Grigoriadis A, Ashworth A, Pritchard-Jones K, Brown KW, Vujanic GM, Jones C. Perilobar nephrogenic rests are nonobligate molecular genetic precursor lesions of insulin-like growth factor-II-associated Wilms tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 14:7635-44. [PMID: 19047088 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perilobar nephrogenic rests (PLNRs) are abnormally persistent foci of embryonal immature blastema that have been associated with dysregulation at the 11p15 locus by genetic/epigenetic means and are thought to be precursor lesions of Wilms tumor. The precise genomic events are, however, largely unknown. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used array comparative genomic hybridization to analyze a series of 50 PLNRs and 25 corresponding Wilms tumors characterized for 11p15 genetic/epigenetic alterations and insulin-like growth factor-II expression. RESULTS The genomic profiles of PLNRs could be subdivided into three categories: those with no copy number changes (22 of 50, 44%); those with single, whole chromosome alterations (8 of 50, 16%); and those with multiple gains/losses (20 of 50, 40%). The most frequent aberrations included 1p- (7 of 50, 14%) +18 (6 of 50, 12%), +13 (5 of 50, 10%), and +12 (3 of 50, 6%). For the majority (19 of 25, 76%) of cases, the rest harbored a subset of the copy number changes in the associated Wilms tumor. We identified a temporal order of genomic changes, which occur during the insulin-like growth factor-II/PLNR pathway of Wilms tumorigenesis, with large-scale chromosomal alterations such as 1p-, +12, +13, and +18 regarded as "early" events. In some of the cases (24%), the PLNRs harbored large-scale copy number changes not observed in the concurrent Wilms tumor, including +10p, +14q, and +18. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that although the evidence for PLNRs as precursors is compelling, not all lesions must necessarily undergo malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa Vuononvirta
- Paediatric Oncology, Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
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33
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Katzman PJ, Arnold GL, Lagoe EC, Huff V. Universal nephroblastomatosis with bilateral hyperplastic nephromegaly in siblings. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2009; 12:47-52. [PMID: 18275253 DOI: 10.2350/07-11-0380.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We present an unusual renal developmental disorder in a female infant and male sibling born in a subsequent pregnancy. Both children had prenatally diagnosed bilateral nephromegaly and survived for 6 and 10 days after birth, respectively. Both infants demonstrated the presence of bilaterally large cerebriform kidneys with numerous small lobulations containing immature glomeruli admixed with primarily intralobar nephrogenic rests without Wilms tumor. The pathology was most consistent with universal nephroblastomatosis with nephromegaly, a rare entity described in only 4 cases and in only 1 of these as a possible inherited disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Katzman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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34
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Auber F, Jeanpierre C, Denamur E, Jaubert F, Schleiermacher G, Patte C, Cabrol S, Leverger G, Nihoul-Fékété C, Sarnacki S. Management of Wilms tumors in Drash and Frasier syndromes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 52:55-9. [PMID: 18816692 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.21759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with WT1 gene-related disorders such as Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) and Frasier syndrome (FS) are at increased risk of Wilms tumor and end-stage renal disease. We investigated whether Wilms tumors in these patients displayed a specific phenotype or behavior and whether nephron-sparing surgery was beneficial. PROCEDURE We retrospectively studied all patients with DDS, FS, or other WT1 mutations treated at our institutions between 1980 and 2007. RESULTS We identified 20 patients, of whom 18 had benign or malignant tumors. Wilms tumors occurred in 15 patients, being unilateral in 10 and bilateral in 5 (20 tumors). Median age at Wilms tumor diagnosis was 9 months. No patients had metastases. According to the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Working Classification, there were 19 intermediate-risk tumors and one high-risk tumor; no tumor was anaplastic. In patients with nephropathy who underwent unilateral nephrectomy for Wilms tumor or nephron-sparing surgery for bilateral Wilms tumor, mean time to dialysis was 11 or 9 months, respectively. Other tumors included three gonadoblastomas (in two patients), one retroperitoneal soft-tissue tumor, and one transitional cell papilloma of the bladder. Two patients, both with stage I Wilms tumor, died from end-stage renal disease-related complications. The median follow-up time for the 18 survivors was 136 months (range, 17-224 months). CONCLUSION Most Wilms tumors in children with WT1-related disorders were early-stage and intermediate-risk tumors, with a young age at diagnosis. In patients without end-stage renal disease, nephron-sparing surgery should be considered for delaying the onset of renal failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Auber
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, AP-HP, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France.
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35
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Fukuzawa R, Heathcott RW, More HE, Reeve AE. Sequential WT1 and CTNNB1 mutations and alterations of beta-catenin localisation in intralobar nephrogenic rests and associated Wilms tumours: two case studies. J Clin Pathol 2006; 60:1013-6. [PMID: 17172473 PMCID: PMC1972432 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2006.043083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intralobar nephrogenic rests (ILNRs) are precursor lesions for Wilms tumours and are associated with WT1 gene mutations. ILNR-associated Wilms tumours have a co-clustering of WT1 and beta-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations and unique histological features characterised by a stromal-predominant histology. AIM To determine the order in which WT1 and CTNNB1 mutations occur to understand the ILNR-Wilms tumour sequence. METHODS Of nine Wilms tumours with WT1 and CTNNB1 mutations, three ILNRs lesions in two Wilms tumours were available for analysis of WT1 and CTNNB1 mutations using microdissection. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to investigate how the mutations in beta-catenin alter the localisation in Wilms tumour development. RESULTS WT1 mutations were present in the ILNRs, however CTNNB1 mutations were absent. Immunohistochemistry for WT1 confirmed inactivation of WT1 in both ILNRs and Wilms tumours. Both the ILNRs and the associated Wilms tumours had similar immunostaining patterns for beta-catenin in the blastemal and epithelial components. Although rhabdomyoblasts were not included in ILNRs, the associated Wilms tumours showed rhabdomyogenic differentiation with a positive beta-catenin nuclear staining. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that CTNNB1 mutation is a later event in Wilms tumourigenesis. CTNNB1 mutations might be associated with rhabdomyogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Fukuzawa
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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36
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Matsuzaki S, Canis M, Darcha C, Déchelotte PJ, Pouly JL, Mage G. Expression of WT1 is down-regulated in eutopic endometrium obtained during the midsecretory phase from patients with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:554-8. [PMID: 16879825 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.02.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Revised: 02/07/2006] [Accepted: 02/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether WT1 protein expression is altered in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) Patients with endometriosis and fertile women with macroscopically normal pelvic cavities. INTERVENTION(S) During surgery, endometrial tissues were obtained from 59 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, or only superficial peritoneal endometriosis. Control endometrial tissue samples were obtained from 40 fertile women who underwent laparoscopic tubal ligation or reversal of tubal sterilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The percentage of nuclear surface positively immunostained for WT1 (PI) and WT1-positive microvessel density. RESULT(S) The PI was significantly lower in endometrial stromal cells from patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis than in stroma from control subjects during the midsecretory phase, whereas there was no significant difference between the two populations during the proliferative, early secretory, and late secretory phases. The PI was also significantly lower during the midsecretory phase in endometrial stromal cells from patients with ovarian endometriosis and superficial peritoneal endometriosis compared with control subjects. CONCLUSION(S) During the midsecretory phase, PI in endometrial stromal cells is down-regulated in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and superficial peritoneal endometriosis compared with endometrium from healthy control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Matsuzaki
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Polyclinique-Hôtel-Dieu, Gynécologie Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, France.
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Abstract
Wilms' tumour, or nephroblastoma, is a common childhood tumour that is intimately linked to early kidney development and is often associated with persistent embryonic renal tissue and other kidney abnormalities. WT1, the first gene found to be inactivated in Wilms' tumour, encodes a transcription factor that functions as both a tumour suppressor and a critical regulator of renal organogenesis. Our understanding of the roles of WT1 in tumour formation and organogenesis have advanced in parallel, providing a striking example of the intersection between tumour biology, cellular differentiation and normal organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel N Rivera
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA.
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Abstract
Nephroblastoma, or Wilms tumor, is a malignant embryonal neoplasm that is derived from nephrogenic blastemal cells, with variable recapitulation of renal embryogenesis. The pathogenesis of nephroblastoma is complex and has been linked to alterations of several genomic loci, including WT1, WT2, FWT1, and FWT2. Generally, nephroblastoma is composed of variable proportions of blastema, epithelium, and stroma, each of which may exhibit a wide spectrum of morphologic variations. Distinguishing nephroblastoma with favorable histology from tumors that exhibit anaplasia is an integral component of histologic assessment because of its prognostic and therapeutic implications. Nephrogenic rests and a special variant of nephroblastoma, cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma, also are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Khoury
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Abstract
The term nephrogenic rests has been proposed for abnormally persistant foci of embryonal cells within developmentally normal kidneys. The term nephroblastomatosis is defined as the presence of diffuse or multiple nephrogenic rests. Nephrogenic rests represent precursors of nephroblatoma and they are associated with certain syndromes carrying a high risk for nephroblastoma. In his classification, Beckwith describes different types of nephrogenic rests according to topographic and morphological features. The nephrogenic rests may undergo regression or proliferation with a high risk for development of a nephroblatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Perlman
- Department of Pathology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Annex Bldg, Room A204, 2373 N. Lincold Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
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40
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Royer-Pokora B, Beier M, Henzler M, Alam R, Schumacher V, Weirich A, Huff V. Twenty-four new cases of WT1 germline mutations and review of the literature: genotype/phenotype correlations for Wilms tumor development. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 127A:249-57. [PMID: 15150775 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We report here 24 new Wilms tumor (WT) patients with germline WT1 alterations and a synopsis of our own previously described and literature cases in whom age of tumor-onset, gender, and laterality were known. This combined database contains 282 patients, 117 patients with and 165 without WT1 germline alterations. Using this information we have determined the median age of tumor-onset for patients with (12.5 months) and without WT1 gene alterations (36 months). The earliest onset was in patients with truncation (12 mo, 66 patients), followed by missense mutations (18 mo, 30 patients) and deletions (22 mo, 21 patients). Patients with the two most frequent nonsense mutations R362X and R390X and the Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) hot spot mutation R394W/Q/L had a very early onset (9, 12, and 18 mo, respectively). The highest number of bilateral tumors was observed in the group of truncation mutations, with a higher percentage of bilateral tumors when truncations occurred in the 5' half of the WT1 gene. In addition to genital tract anomalies (GU), early onset nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangial sclerosis and stromal-predominant histology, tumor bilaterality, and early age of onset can now be added to the list of risk factors for carrying a germline WT1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Royer-Pokora
- Institute of Human Genetics and Anthropology, University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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Rusconi JC, Fink JL, Cagan R. klumpfuss regulates cell death in the Drosophila retina. Mech Dev 2005; 121:537-46. [PMID: 15172685 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2004.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Revised: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 04/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a central role in the sculpting and maturation of developing epithelia. In adult tissue, PCD plays a further role in the prevention of malignancy though removal of damaged cells. Here, we report that mutations in klumpfuss result in an excess of support cells during maturation of the developing Drosophila pupal retina. These ectopic cells are the result of a partial and specific failure of apoptotic death during normal cell fate selection. klumpfuss is required and differentially expressed in the cells that choose the life or death cell fate. We also provide genetic and biochemical evidence that klumpfuss regulates this process through down-regulation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/dRas1 signaling pathway. Based on its sequence Klumpfuss is an EGR-class nuclear factor, and our results suggest a mechanism by which mutations in EGR-class factors such as Wilms' Tumor Suppressor-1 may result in oncogenic events such as pediatric kidney tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C Rusconi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue; Campus Box 8103, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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42
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Little M. Wilms' tumor: starting off the kidney all over again? PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 40:107-32. [PMID: 17153482 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27671-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Level 4 North, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072, Qld, Australia
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Han Y, San-Marina S, Liu J, Minden MD. Transcriptional activation of c-myc proto-oncogene by WT1 protein. Oncogene 2004; 23:6933-41. [PMID: 15286719 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor 1 gene (WT1) plays an essential role in urogenital development and malignancy. Through DNA binding, WT1 can either enhance or repress transcription depending on the context of the DNA-binding sites or the cell type in which it is expressed. WT1 is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers, including leukemia and breast cancer; in these diseases, the expression of WT1 is associated with a poor prognosis. To determine how WT1 affects c-myc expression in the context of breast cancer cells, we have examined the ability of both endogenous and exogenous WT1 proteins in breast cancer cells to bind to the c-myc promoter in vivo. Using c-myc-promoter-driven luciferase constructs, we found that different forms of WT1 could enhance the expression of the reporter. Unlike other studies where WT1 is reported to be a negative regulator of c-myc, we found that both the - and + KTS forms of WT1 could act to enhance c-myc expression, depending on the cell type. The WT1-binding site near the second major transcription start site of the c-myc promoter was confirmed to be involved in upregulation of human c-myc by WT1. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of WT1 induced a significant increase in the abundance of endogenous c-myc protein in breast cancer cells, consistent with the upregulation of c-myc transcription following WT1 induction. These observations strongly argue that in the case of breast cancer WT1 is functioning as an oncogene in part by stimulating the expression of c-myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqi Han
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
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Discenza MT, Pelletier J. Insights into the physiological role of WT1 from studies of genetically modified mice. Physiol Genomics 2004; 16:287-300. [PMID: 14966251 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00164.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Discenza, Maria Teresa, and Jerry Pelletier. Insights into the physiological role of WT1 from studies of genetically modified mice. Physiol Genomics 16: 287-300, 2004; 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00164.2003.—The identification of WT1 gene mutations in children with WAGR and Denys-Drash syndromes pointed toward a role for WT1 in genitourinary system development. Biochemical analysis of the different WT1 protein isoforms showed that WT1 is a transcription factor and also has the ability to bind RNA. Analysis of WT1 complexes identified several target genes and protein partners capable of interacting with WT1. Some of these studies placed WT1, its downstream targets, and protein partners in a transcriptional regulatory network that controls urogenital system development. We review herein studies on WT1 knockout and transgenic models that have been instrumental in defining a physiological role for WT1 in normal and abnormal urogenital development.
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Guertl B, Ratschek M, Harms D, Jaenig U, Leuschner I, Poremba C, Hoefler G. Clonality and loss of heterozygosity of WT genes are early events in the pathogenesis of nephroblastomas. Hum Pathol 2003; 34:278-81. [PMID: 12673563 DOI: 10.1053/hupa.2003.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nephrogenic rests (NRs), putative precursor lesions of nephroblastomas (Wilms' tumors), are found in 25% to 40% of kidneys presenting with nephroblastomas. Nephroblastomas are clonal tumors that, according to a genetic multistep model, are thought to arise as subclonal proliferations from NRs by accumulating genetic alterations. Different candidate genes for the pathogenesis of nephroblastomas have been identified, including those at chromosomes 11p13 (WT1 gene), 11p15 (WT2 gene), and 16q (WT3 gene). We investigated clonality and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at these loci in different subtypes of NR. After microdissection under microscopic control, we analyzed a highly polymorphic locus of the human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA) for nonrandom X-inactivation of genomic DNA using a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme to investigate clonality. Out of 14 patients, we found that 1 case each of adenomatous and hyperplastic NR and 2 of 7 cases of sclerosing NR were monoclonal. Five patients were noninformative. We assessed LOH at chromosomes 11p13, 11p15, and 16q by analyzing polymorphic gene loci at these regions. One hyperplastic NR and the corresponding tumor showed LOH at 11p13 and 11p15; 1 sclerosing NR and the corresponding tumor exhibited LOH at chromosome 16q. We demonstrate for the first time that sclerosing NRs can exhibit genetic alterations found in nephroblastomas, namely monoclonality and LOH at the WT gene loci. The histological morphology is no different between NRs with these genetic alterations and NRs without them. We conclude that these genetic changes are early events in the multistep genetic pathogenesis of nephroblastomas; however, they do not seem to fully determine a malignant potential of NR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Guertl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Abstract
The concept of field effects in cancer is old, but recent molecular data have substantiated it. Clones of cells that carry well-defined genetic or epigenetic aberrations, but which have not yet acquired the morphological hallmarks of neoplasia, have been documented in the precursor tissues of some of the most common pediatric and adult malignancies. Here I review this evidence, focusing on loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and gain of DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tycko
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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Gurates B, Sebastian S, Yang S, Zhou J, Tamura M, Fang Z, Suzuki T, Sasano H, Bulun SE. WT1 and DAX-1 inhibit aromatase P450 expression in human endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002; 87:4369-77. [PMID: 12213901 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2002-020522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) induces the expression of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) and many steroidogenic genes, including aromatase P450 (P450arom). Dosage-sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome gene 1 (DAX-1) inhibits SF-1-mediated induction of MIS and other steroidogenic genes, whereas Wilms' tumor suppressor gene (WT1) augments SF-1-mediated MIS expression. The effects of WT1 on steroidogenesis or P450arom expression have not been explored to date. In human endometriotic stromal cells, extremely high levels of P450arom mRNA and enzyme activity are present. Prostaglandin E(2) stimulates cAMP formation, SF-1 binding activity, P450arom mRNA levels, and estrogen synthesis in endometriotic stromal cells. Stromal cells of eutopic endometrium from disease-free women, on other hand, do not contain readily detectable levels of P450arom mRNA. Thus, we evaluated herein the possible roles of WT1 and DAX-1 in cAMP/SF-1-mediated regulation of P450arom expression in endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells. We also determined the cellular distribution and levels of these transcription factors in pathological endometriotic vs. normal eutopic endometrial tissues by immunohistochemistry to understand their in vivo roles. In vitro transcriptional regulation studies showed that both WT1 and DAX-1 inhibited cAMP and/or SF-1-induced P450arom promoter activity in a dose-dependent fashion in cultured human endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells. Site-directed disruption of the SF-1 binding site (-136/-124 bp) in the P450arom promoter abolished basal or cAMP/SF-1-induced promoter activity in the presence or absence of WT1 or DAX-1. Immunohistochemistry and H-scoring showed that DAX-1 was ubiquitously present in epithelial and stromal cells of both tissues. WT1, on the other hand, was preferentially expressed in stromal (vs. epithelial) cells. Moreover, WT1 levels in endometriotic stromal cells are significantly down-regulated compared with normal endometrial stromal cells. In summary, WT1 or DAX-1 inhibits cAMP-SF-1 pathway-dependent P450arom expression in cultured human endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells. In vivo down-regulation of WT1 in endometriotic stromal cells (vs. normal endometrial stromal cells) may in part be responsible for aberrantly increased P450arom expression and estrogen formation in this pathological tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilgin Gurates
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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Abstract
Although originally identified as a tumor suppressor gene, WT1 is overexpressed in a variety of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, including acute leukemia, breast cancer, malignant mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma, and others. Overexpression of both wild-type and mutant WT1 has been reported. In some cases, this finding represents overexpression of a gene that should be expressed at lower levels, but in other cases, WT1 is expressed at high levels in a tissue type in which there is normally no expression at all. In this review, the mechanisms of altered WT1 expression are explored, including changes in promoter methylation. WT1 target genes that may be important for oncogenesis are discussed, as is the use of WT1 expression as a diagnostic tool. The prognostic implications of altered WT1 expression and the potential for immunotherapy aimed at WT1 are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Loeb
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lee TH, Pelletier J. Functional characterization of WT1 binding sites within the human vitamin D receptor gene promoter. Physiol Genomics 2001; 7:187-200. [PMID: 11773605 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00046.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene, wt1, encodes a zinc finger transcription factor that can regulate gene expression. It plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, kidney differentiation, and urogenital development. To identify WT1 downstream targets, gene expression profiling was conducted using a cDNA array hybridization approach. We confirm herein that the human vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, is a WT1 downstream target. Nuclear run on experiments demonstrated that the effect of WT1 on VDR expression is at the transcriptional level. Transient transfection assays, deletion mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays suggest that, although WT1 is presented with a possibility of three binding sites within the VDR promoter, activation of the human VDR gene appears to occur through a single site. This site differs from a previously identified WT1-responsive site in the murine VDR promoter (Maurer U, Jehan F, Englert C, Hübinger G, Weidmann E, DeLucas HF, and Bergmann L. J Biol Chem 276: 3727-3732, 2001). We also show that the products of a Denys-Drash syndrome allele of wt1 inhibit WT1-mediated transactivation of the human VDR promoter. Our results indicate that the human VDR gene is a downstream target of WT1 and may be regulated differently than its murine counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1Y6
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Hennigar RA, O'Shea PA, Grattan-Smith JD. Clinicopathologic features of nephrogenic rests and nephroblastomatosis. Adv Anat Pathol 2001; 8:276-89. [PMID: 11556536 DOI: 10.1097/00125480-200109000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nephrogenic rests are the consequence of residual metanephric tissue in a fully developed kidney. They usually occur along the perimeter of a mature renal lobe (i.e., perilobar), within the lobe itself (i.e., intralobar), or both (i.e., combined). Nephrogenic rests can be grossly obvious or microscopically discrete. Nephroblastomatosis designates nephrogenic rests that are multifocal or diffuse, and implies more extensive disease. Universal (panlobar) nephroblastomatosis denotes complete replacement of the renal lobe by nephrogenic tissue. The fate of nephrogenic rests and nephroblastomatosis varies and includes obsolescence, sclerosis, dormancy, hyperplasia, or neoplasia. Evidence strongly suggests that neoplastic transformation of nephrogenic rests results in Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). Nephrogenic rests almost always occur in the setting of Wilms' tumor; perilobar rests show a strong association with synchronous bilateral Wilms' tumors, whereas intralobar rests are more strongly associated with metachronous tumors. Genetic studies have shown that nephrogenic rests often share many of the same chromosomal defects as Wilms' tumor, which provides further evidence that they are precursors to nephroblastoma. Thus, nephrogenic rests are recognized as clinically significant entities requiring adequate detection and close surveillance. Heightened awareness regarding the clinical relevance of nephrogenic rests and nephroblastomatosis (1) has led to improved detection of these precancerous lesions, (2) fostered more intensive investigation into their biologic behavior, and (3) initiated in-depth discussions about potentially new treatment regimens. The pathologists' ability to identify and detect nephrogenic rests has benefited from the more efficient Beckwith classification. Radiologists have deployed high-resolution radiologic/imaging modalities to improve detection of nephrogenic rests in situ. Clinicians and surgeons are more aware of the impact that nephrogenic rests have upon patient management. Despite this progress, more data is needed to further define these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Hennigar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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